Miami HEAT Men’s Health Summit Encourages Men to Take Charge of Their Health

Nearly 60% of men skip their annual physicals, a statistic that the Miami HEAT and Baptist Health are determined to change.

On June 14, men of all ages and backgrounds poured into The Tank Brewing Co. in Doral for the third annual Miami HEAT Men’s Health Summit powered by Baptist Health. It was a free community event focused on raising awareness about preventive healthcare, wellness, and healthy aging during Men’s Health Month.

The summit brought together professional athletes, medical experts, and community members for a day of education, health screenings, and interactive activities designed to encourage men to prioritize their health with preventative screenings.

Basketball Hall of Famer and former Miami HEAT star Alonzo Mourning, Miami HEAT center Bam Adebayo, and Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas were featured in panel conversations alongside physicians from Baptist Health.

Hosted by Frankie Ruiz, co-founder of the Life Time Miami Marathon, the first panel featured a candid conversation between Mourning and Dr. Daniel Ramon, a family medicine physician with Baptist Health Primary Care. The discussion centered on the importance of annual checkups, early detection, and overcoming the reluctance many men feel toward seeking medical care.

A prostate cancer survivor himself, Mourning used a simple analogy to explain why preventive care matters.

“You got to drive the car, you got to hold the steering wheel, you got to take charge of your health,” Mourning said, comparing personal health maintenance to caring for a vehicle.

Speaking with Baptist Health, Mourning noted that many men often wait until a health issue becomes serious before seeking help.

“A lot of men don’t go to the doctor unless they’re encouraged to or something devastating is happening in their lives or if they’re hurting or in some type of discomfort,” he said. “We’re trying to promote early detection and early screenings so we can identify obstacles before they escalate.”

The second panel, titled “Weekend Warriors,” focused on maintaining an active lifestyle while balancing the responsibilities of career, marriage, and family. Moderated by Florida Panthers television broadcaster Steve “Goldie” Goldstein, the discussion featured Adebayo, Thomas, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Luis Rodriguez, and Medical Cardiologist Dr. Sergiu Darabant.

Panelists discussed the importance of staying physically active as men age while also understanding their changing physical limitations to avoid injury and maintain long-term health.

“We take our health for granted and the only time we really talk about it is if we have a serious health problem,” Thomas said in an interview with Baptist Health. “You can have a laundry list of problems but once you have a health problem, you only have one problem. Prioritize it and you have to make time for it, not find time for it. You do that for your family and your self pride.”

Dr. Darabant echoed that message, emphasizing the need for men to view healthcare as a regular part of their lives rather than a last resort.

“Unfortunately in society, everyone is busy,” Darabant told Hy-Lo News. “Men are a part of their families and careers, but they need to take time for themselves. Men’s health shouldn’t be a taboo.”

Beyond the panel discussions, attendees had access to free health screenings provided by Baptist Health and wellness-focused activations from brands including Ideal Nutrition, La Roche-Posay, and C4 Energy. The Spot Barbershop offered complimentary haircuts, while guests also enjoyed free massages, sports memorabilia, giveaways, basketball and golf stations, and light bites throughout the day.

The atmosphere remained lively thanks to Miami HEAT DJ M-DOT, while attendees posed for photos with Miami HEAT mascot Burnie, Miami Dolphins mascot T.D., and a surprise appearance from Florida Panthers mascot Stanley C. Panther. Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and Miami HEAT dancers also joined in the festivities.

For many attendees, hearing health advice directly from professional athletes helped reinforce the importance of the message.

Simon Howard, a psychology professor at the University of Miami, said he attended after seeing the event promoted on Instagram.

“Athletics is a big influence on men,” Howard told Hy-Lo News. “The athletes are echoing what the medical professionals are saying and sometimes you need to hear from multiple sources. These types of events are important because men put a lot of stake into athletes and sports, so the message hits harder.”

Howard believes events like the Men’s Health Summit can help shift cultural perspectives surrounding masculinity and vulnerability.

“I think a large part is related to our masculinity and not showing vulnerability,” he said. “We need to redefine the ideas of masculinity associated with weakness and encourage men to have these conversations in their communities.”

While the summit offered free screenings, expert advice, and plenty of entertainment, organizers hoped attendees left with something even more valuable: a renewed commitment to making their health a priority before a crisis forces them to.

“The average doctor’s appointment is 15-20 minutes. Write down questions. Take advantage of the moment,” Mourning emphasized during his panel conversation with Dr. Ramon. “We can’t leave it to chance. If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for your family.”

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